Senators: Embu Governor Martin Wambora shouldn’t attend Devolution Conference

Nairobi, Kenya - Senators have said they will boycott the second Devolution Conference that begins in Kisumu tomorrow should embattled Embu Governor Martin Wambora be listed as one of the session chairs.

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto are expected to attend this year's event, after the Executive and the Legislature snubbed last year's forum held in Kwale County.

The Standard has established that senators are not pleased with Wambora's continued stay in office following a reprieve by the court, with those from Central especially wanting him to stay away from the conference.

"It is true there are plans to give the conference a wide berth. These threats are there, but we have liaised with the organisers to remove the governor from chairing any session. It is not just senators from Central who are not comfortable that he will be at the function," said a senator, who didn't want to be quoted.

A message circulating among the senators authored by one of their colleagues reads in part, "Can you imagine reporters taking videos and photos of senators listening to a governor who has been impeached twice by the Senate speak. I feel joining wambora in Kisumu will be an insult. I am sorry I won't join you."

Senator Mutahi Kagwe (Nyeri) said the matter was between the Legislature and the Judiciary and not a Central region affair as perceived.

"As a region, we have not discussed or taken a position on the Wambora issue. The Senate has dealt with his impeachment. As far as we are concerned, he is a stranger," said senator Kagwe.

He continued: "In the eyes of Senate and our thinking, our job is done. What is remaining is a determination by the courts. We voted on his impeachment in accordance with the law and the decision is binding."

graft report

Senator Daniel Karaba (Kirinyaga) said they would boycott the meeting if county leaders adversely mentioned in the corruption report are not struck off the list of those who will address them.

"We shall demand to see the programme for the forthcoming Council of Governors Conference in Kisumu to know who will be facilitating the sessions," said Mr Karaba.

Senator Boni Khalwale (Kakamega), however, said although the concerns raised by the senators were genuine, boycotting the meeting will be a big win for Wambora.

"A number of senators are disappointed that Wambora is listed in the programme, but we should go and register these concerns at the pre-conference stage," he said.